University Statement of Health and Safety Policy

THIS POLICY IS THE LATEST VERSION AND SUPERSEDES ANY OTHER POLICY THAT YOU MAY HAVE IN YOUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS BOOKLET.

The Council, the Senate and the Vice-Chancellor consider the health and safety of the employees and students of, and visitors to, the University of Southampton to be of paramount importance, and are committed to continual improvement in standards of health and safety and to compliance with all current and future legislative requirements.

To this end, University managers are required to assess their activities for risks to health and safety, and to put in place appropriate procedures and systems for the reduction of risks to an acceptable level thereby ensuring the health and safety at work of staff, students and other persons, such as members of the public, who might be affected by their activities.

The University requires all its employees, students and other persons to work safely and with due consideration for others, and provides training and supervision as necessary to enable them to do so. This applies wherever University activities are taking place.

Safety and occupational health are important management responsibilities and support, training and advisory services to assist managers in the implementation of this policy are provided. Advice on implementation of the policy is published in the Health and Safety Policy Manual and in the related Health and Safety Procedures Manual which are available through the University Health and Safety Office and from the Health and Safety Office website. The Health and Safety Office will make available the HSP series of Health and Safety Procedures but, where certain Schools and Professional Services find it necessary to produce local Safety Procedures, these will be made available by the School or Professional Service to relevant employees and other stakeholders subject to confidentiality considerations.

Commitment to health and safety is included in the Corporate Strategy. This Health and Safety Policy and a report and action plan will be reviewed and approved each year by Council. The Vice-Chancellor is responsible for the management of health and safety and reviews performance annually with line managers.

The Health and Safety Policy shall be reviewed at least annually or more frequently if significant changes to legislation occur and/or significant changes to operational conditions are identified through management review or the system audit process.

signed by: The Vice-Chancellor, August 2009

signed by: Chair of Council, August 2009